destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
The reasoning was twofold: to prevent widespread panic among the American public and to avoid informing the Germans just how destructive their campaign was.
—
Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
Signs might include pacing, whining, excessive barking, destructive acts, accidents in the house and excessive salivation, drooling or panting.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
But Whelton says after destructive fires, there are often lingering toxins from exploded propane tanks or burned cars and high levels of lead from home exteriors after the debris is removed.
—Kirk Siegler, NPR, 2 June 2025
Musk’s chaotic and destructive stint leading the official-but-not-official Department of Government Efficiency is now over.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
Signs might include pacing, whining, excessive barking, destructive acts, accidents in the house and excessive salivation, drooling or panting.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
But Whelton says after destructive fires, there are often lingering toxins from exploded propane tanks or burned cars and high levels of lead from home exteriors after the debris is removed.
—Kirk Siegler, NPR, 2 June 2025
Musk’s chaotic and destructive stint leading the official-but-not-official Department of Government Efficiency is now over.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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